Townsend and Barkley get England call-ups for World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine

Nine loans to Three Lions: Townsend's progress has been rewarded with an England place (Image: Action)

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England manager Roy Hodgson has sprung two surprises by naming the uncapped pair of Tottenham winger Andros Townsend and Everton midfielder Ross Barkley in his squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers.

The Three Lions' hopes of being in Brazil for next summer's finals are in the balance ahead of next Friday's home match against Moldova and the trip to Ukraine four days later.

Townsend, 22, who has been playing for Spurs in the early weeks of the new season in the absence of Gareth Bale, has been loaned out NINE times by the north Londoners during his career.

Fans of Yeovil, Leyton Orient, MK Dons, Ipswich, Watford, Millwall, Birmingham, Leeds and Queens Park Rangers will be able to say, 'I remember when he played for us' if he gets on the pitch.

Barkley, just 19, is highly-rated within Goodison but has started only six Premier League matches for the Toffees, while spending time out on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds.

Raheem Sterling has been promoted from the Under-21 squad, even though he has only played 18 minutes for Liverpool so far this season.

When asked about the inclusion of Barkley, Hodgson said: "He impressed me when I worked with him at St George's and at Sheffield Wednesday, and quite a few other people impressed at that that time - Raheem Sterling and of course Andros Townsend, who was on the radar before the Under-21s.

The one with Ross and Three Lions: Barkley has caught Hodgson's eye (Image: PA)

"In choosing these players we are giving ourselves a chance to look at players who are capable of having a bright future.

"I don't think there is a question that this is a philosophy of we will only play this or that type of player. Players like Barkley, Townsend and Sterling can make a difference and in a team they can be players that make a big impact. They are there on merit. It's nice that they're younger.

"I would expect them in the coming years to share roles. I don't expect them not to play a part in the Under-21s. Players need to understand because the door is open at senior level, it doesn't mean you close the door at Under-21 level."

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge returns to the squad after sitting out the game against the Scots following an injury, while fellow striker Jermain Defoe retains his place in a 27-man squad, despite not starting a game for Spurs so far this season.